An Efficient Metal-Organic Framework - Derived Nickel Catalyst for the Light Driven Methanation of CO2

We report the synthesis of a highly active and stable metal-organic framework derived Ni-based catalyst for the photo-thermal reduction of CO 2 to CH 4 . Through the controlled pyrolysis of MOF-74 (Ni), the nature of the carbonaceous species and therefore photo-thermal performance can be tuned. CH 4 production rates of 488 mmol g -1 h -1 under UV–visible-IR irradiation are achieved when the catalyst is prepared under optimized conditions. No particle aggregation or significant loss of activity were observed after five consecutive reaction cycles. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we performed an outdoor experiment under ambient solar irradiation, demonstrating the potential of our catalyst to reduce CO 2 to CH 4 using only solar energy.